Agricultural Machinery Technician

Program Overview

Agricultural Machinery Technicians diagnose, repair, modify, overhaul, service and
maintain some of today’s most technologically advanced machines—tractors, combines,
cultivators, seeders, sprayers. If you like working with ag equipment and troubleshooting
mechanical problems, it’s a great career choice.

You’ll find your skills are in demand at leading equipment dealerships. You might
work as a technician in a fully-equipped service centre or travel to farms and rural
areas on service calls. You can also transfer your skills to other industries, such
as mining and construction.

You'll spend most of your "classroom" time in the shop with Saskatchewan Polytechnic's highly trained instructors, learning how to assemble, service, repair, modify and
overhaul a wide range of equipment. You'll round out your program with a two-week
work experience in an agricultural dealership. It's a great opportunity to introduce
yourself to a potential employer, while building your practical knowledge and skills.

Advanced Apprenticeship Standing

Your Saskatchewan Polytechnic certificate gives you advanced standing as an apprentice in the Agricultural Machinery
Technician trade. In just a few years, you could earn journeyperson certification,
which lets you work across Canada where the trade is recognized. Learn more at the
Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC).

Close Ties to Industry

Your program is designed with input from the provincial and national agricultural
equipment industry. The industry also supports students by providing new, technologically
advanced equipment while local dealerships supply used equipment for hands-on training.
This means your knowledge and skills are up-to-date with real world needs.

Your Career

Agricultural Machinery Technicians are in demand at equipment dealerships. There are
also opportunities with large farming operations, custom combine companies and in
short-line agricultural equipment vendors. Your skills are also transferable to other
industries, including mining-manufacturing and construction.

Potential Careers

Program Details

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

PLAR & Transfer Credit

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Transfer Credit

Many Saskatchewan Polytechnic students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.

Courses

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are found in modern agricultural equipment. Your studies will focus on the theory and operation of these systems and the components they use. You will diagnose and repair the HVAC systems and their controls, and retrofit R12 systems to the current R134a systems.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 30.0Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

You will study the basic physical principles of the operation and construction of two-stroke and four-stroke engines. The course content includes cooling systems, cooling system components, coolants and additives, crankcase lubricants, lubrication systems, filter systems, oil analysis, methods of cleaning and safety of cleaning.Credit Units: 4Course Hours: 60.0Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

ENGN 192

Engines 2: Fuel Systems

4

You will be introduced to the gasoline and diesel fuel supply systems and how they allow combustion to occur. You will inspect air induction systems, test engine compression, study high and low-pressure fuel injection systems and inspect and repair diesel fuel injectors.Credit Units: 4Course Hours: 60.0Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

ENGN 199

Engines 3 Advanced

6

You will focus on the construction and operation of the valve train and cylinder head components. The course content includes cylinder head overhaul, valve timing, valve adjustment, inspection of the camshaft and its bearings the design, construction, operation and service methods of crankshafts, connecting rods and piston assemblies, cylinder liners, bearings, blocks and related engine accessories. You will also gain knowledge of onboard computer systems used in the Agricultural machinery trade. You will use these computer systems to monitor machine operation and perform diagnostic tests.Credit Units: 6Course Hours: 90.0Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

EQPT 194

Seeding and Tillage Equipment

4

You will learn how to set up, pre-deliver and service air seeder carts, seeding tools and tillage equipment. You will also learn the principles and procedures for operating tillage and seeding equipment. You will be introduced to global positioning systems technology as it applies to variable rate seeding technology.Credit Units: 4Course Hours: 60.0Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

EQPT 196

Harvesting Equipment

4

You will learn how to set up, pre-deliver and service combines and combine attachments. You will study rotary and conventional combines and global positioning technology as it applies to harvesting.Credit Units: 4Course Hours: 60.0Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

EQPT 197

Hay and Forage Equipment

4

You will study the principles of the operation, service and repair of hay and forage equipment. You will learn and demonstrate how to inspect, adjust, service and repair forage and haying equipment.Credit Units: 4Course Hours: 60.0Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

EQPT 198

Sprayers and Applicators

2

Your studies will focus on the set-up and pre-delivery of self-propelled and pull-type field sprayers. The course content includes the theory of operation, service, repair and calibration of spray systems and components, and an introduction to the safe handling of anhydrous ammonia.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 30.0Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

EQPT 199

Pre-Delivery and Performance

2

You will learn how to set-up and pre-deliver tractors. You will focus on tractor appearance, installing accessories, tractor ballasting and tractor and engine performance.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 30.0Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

HYDR 188

Hydraulics

6

You will focus on the basic principles of hydraulics and gain an understanding of component construction and operation. You will learn how each component contributes to the operation of the entire system and develop practical skills to repair these components.Credit Units: 6Course Hours: 90.0Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

You will explore the basic occupational skills, work practices and procedures required in the agricultural machinery industry.Credit Units: 6Course Hours: 87.0Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

TRNM 190

Power Trains 1

2

You will learn the basic mechanical devices and concepts that are used throughout the agricultural machinery industry.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 30.0Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

TRNM 191

Power Trains 2

2

You will learn how to maintain and repair fraction clutches used on modern agricultural tractors. Your focus will be on tractor separation, replacement and repair, and the adjustment of tractor clutches.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 30.0Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

TRNM 192

Power Trains 3

4

You will learn about the gear reduction and braking systems used on modern agricultural equipment. You will focus on non-powered hydraulic brakes, hypoid gear boxes, axles and final drives.Credit Units: 4Course Hours: 60.0Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

WELD 283

Gas Welding (OFC, TB)

2

Your studies will focus on oxy-acetylene safety procedures, equipment set-up and correct operating procedures. You will gain experience using the cutting torch freehand, using a guide, in cutting shapes and brazing. The course content includes demonstrations of plasma cutting and using an ironworker.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 26.0Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

Two weeks of dealership work experience will allow you to apply the technical skills and knowledge you acquired during the program. You will have the opportunity to select a dealership where you would like to perform your work experience.Credit Units: 0Course Hours: 80.0Learning Method(s): Work Experience - Group

Note: During your two-week work experience, you will experience how an agricultural
dealership operates and will be able to start to apply the knowledge and skills you
have acquired.

Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves 26,000 distinct students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.